Monroe Freeling is one of the many Bulldogs looking to make the jump to the NFL this year. The first step in that journey is at the NFL Combine which took place this weekend.
During his time at the Combine Freeling spoke with the media and shockingly shared that he won’t miss playing for Kirby Smart for one big reason.
“I’m not going to miss it, to be honest. I think sometimes it’s really funny until he’s talking about you.”
“I’m not going to miss it, to be honest. I think sometimes it’s really funny until he’s talking about you.”
— Jed May (@JedMay_) February 28, 2026
Monroe Freeling won’t miss Kirby Smart’s tough love on the mic, even if it made him a first-round pick. @HarrisonReno has more:https://t.co/8GV0RIHifa via @on3
Monroe Freeling won't miss Kirby Smart's tough coaching
Every year there are new stories that come out about players feeling the wrath of Smart during practice. Just last week Daylen Everette told a story about Smart unloading on him during one of his first practices as a freshman.
Freeing didn't share any of his personal stories, but it's clear that he has more than a few. And that is the one thing that he wont miss about playing for Smart.
Freeling likely doesn't regret playing for Smart though. It's this tough style of coaching that has led so many players to make it in the NFL after playing at Georgia. And while it may have been tough to deal with in the moment, Freeling and every other Bulldog definitely benefitted from Smart's coaching style.
The bad news for Freeling is that this style of coaching likely will continue with whatever NFL team drafts him. But if it does then he will have Smart to thank for preparing him and teaching him how to handle it.
Who know what kind of player Freeling would've turned into if he didn't get this tough coaching from Smart throughout his time at Georgia. What we do know though is that this coaching turned him into an NFL player, and that is something Freeling won't ever regret.